‘People Can Dream,’ Bangladesh Coach Makes Bold World Cup Prediction

image-lnel7sbxChandika Hathurusingha addressing a press conference. (X.com)

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha emphasized their strong focus on reaching the World Cup semi-finals, regardless of their past performance.

Bangladesh have never secured a spot in the last four in their six previous World Cup appearances. In fact, they've never won more than three matches in the tournament's history. 

While their best showing was a quarter-final appearance in 2015 and reaching the Super Eights in 2007, this time, they have set their sights higher due to Bangladesh's improving reputation in the ODI format.

Addressing a pre-match press conference, Hathurusingha was asked about his team's chances in the mega event, the former Sri Lankan cricketer responded by saying that his team will first aim to reach the semifinal stage.

"I think we have a good enough team to do that - our first aim is to get to the semifinal stage,"  said Chandika Hathurusingha ahead of Bangladesh's first game in Dharamshala.

He emphasized that whether one calls it a dream, an aim, or a goal, the primary focus remains the same: performing well in the World Cup and winning matches.

"People can dream, people can aim, people can have goals. Whatever the word you use, it is the same thing. We're trying to have a good World Cup and win matches. That's the main aim for me...Our aim is to get into the semifinal, that can be a dream or can be an aim – doesn't matter,"  added Hathurusingha.

Despite their recent struggles in the Asia Cup, Bangladesh draws confidence from their victory over India in the same tournament. Their upcoming match against Afghanistan in Dharamshala presents an opportunity to build on this confidence.

Historically, Dharamshala has favored fast bowlers, providing lateral movement. In this regard, Bangladesh holds an advantage, boasting a stronger fast bowling group compared to Afghanistan. While Afghanistan relies heavily on their spinners, Bangladesh's batters will aim to neutralize Afghanistan's spin threat, increasing their chances of victory.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan are set to clash in their World Cup opener in Dharamshala on Saturday, October 7. In their previous encounters, these teams have met 15 times, with Bangladesh holding a 9-6 lead.